![CSK suffer yet another injury setback [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776762866396_cskplayerout.jpg?type=hq)
CSK suffer yet another injury setback [Source: AFP]
In a significant development, injured batter Ayush Mhatre has been officially ruled out of the IPL 2026. The franchise confirmed the development through a post on its official handle on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Ayush Mhatre was CSK's regular number three, with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson opening the batting for the five-time champions.
He sustained a nasty hamstring injury during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. As a result, he is no longer a part of the CSK IPL 2026 squad for the remainder of the tournament.
Ayush Mhatre sustained hamstring injury during CSK Vs SRH
Notably, Ayush Mhatre sustained a hamstring injury while batting in the CSK vs SRH IPL 2026 match.
The incident happened during the fifth over of the Super Kings' run chase when SRH captain Ishan Kishan handed the ball to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The medium pacer bowled a good length delivery around the leg stump, as Mhatre clipped it using his wrists on the leg side. He ran the first run hard and pulled his hamstring while returning to the striker's end for a double.
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The right-handed batter sustained a nasty hamstring injury in the process and received medical attention for a brief time. The injury eventually affected his performance as he was dismissed in the same over.
He looked sublime for a quick-fire 13-ball 30 before Reddy got his prized scalp at a crucial juncture.
Ayush Mhatre sidelined from IPL 2026, CSK confirm
In their official statement, the Chennai Super Kings revealed that Mhatre would require at least 6 to 12 weeks to recover from the injury. Therefore, he won't be able to participate in the remaining matches of the tournament.
"Official Announcement! Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush's injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery," the CSK statement read.
Why is Ayush Mhatre's absence a big blow for CSK?
The Chennai Super Kings had a horrible start to the IPL 2026, losing their first three matches convincingly.
While captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and his opening partner Sanju Samson struggled to get going, Mhatre lit up the stage, emerging as the Super Kings' most valuable asset in the powerplay.
Apart from maximising the powerplay field restrictions, Mhatre showcased remarkable consistency, chipping in with impactful knocks until the hamstring injury derailed his IPL 2026 campaign.
He signed off the season with 201 runs across six innings at an average of 33.50 and a blistering strike rate of 177.88. Considering he was an in-form batter, his withdrawal from the CSK IPL 2026 squad is a massive setback for the five-time champions.
Ayush Mhatre's replacements- who could enter CSK playing XI?
An injury replacement for Ayush Mhatre has yet to be added to the CSK IPL 2026 squad. Led by Gaikwad, the Super Kings will take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their seventh group-stage match on April 23.
Given the composition of the CSK IPL 2026 squad, swashbuckling top-order batter Urvil Patel is expected to replace Mhatre in the playing XI when the Super Kings take on MI at the Wankhede Stadium.
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